The Beat

NHL 15 - Player Ratings - Top Five Defensemen

The Top Five defensemen includes multiple Stanley Cup winners. Additionally, there is a solid mix of offensive flair and defensive awareness with this group.

Rating attributes are categorized into six different categories: Puck Skills, Senses, Shooting, Defense, Skating, and Physicality.

5. Zdeno Chara - Boston Bruins - 91 Overall

Summary: The 6’9 Chara is an intimidating force every time he steps on the ice. With five-star Defense and Physicality - he isn’t the type of player you want to battle with in the corner with. His (95) Shot Power also makes him one of the leagues deadliest shooters from the point.

4. Drew Doughty - Los Angeles Kings - 91 Overall

Summary: The two time Olympic gold and Stanley Cup champion comes in as our number four defenseman.With (90) Speed, Agility, Acceleration and (93) Puck Control, Doughty is one of the leagues most skilled blueliners.

3. Ryan Suter - Minnesota Wild - 92 Overall

Summary: Minnesota’s minute muncher is excellent across all six attributes categories. His (93) Def. Awareness and (91) Shot Blocking and Stick Checking making him one of the league’s best at protecting his own zone.

2. Duncan Keith - Chicago Blackhawks - 92 Overall

Summary: Last year’s Norris Trophy winner lacks that huge physical element to his game, but makes up for it with five-star Puck Skills, Senses, Skating and Defense attributes.

1. Shea Weber - Nashville Predators - 93 Overall

Summary: Weber comes in as our top rated NHL defenseman as he is an absolute force in all three zones. Shea has five-star Shooting, Defense, and Physical skills – and over (90) rated stats in all six attribute categories.